Flow cytometric analysis of circulating lymphocytes following human marrow transplantation

Study of patients following marrow transplantation has revealed a number of phenotypically unusual cell types that appear to have unique functional correlates in vitro and possible unique clinical correlates in vivo. These include unusual T lymphocytes, such as the Leu4+ Leu2+ but Leu1- T cell; unusual NK cells, such as the Leu2+ Leu11+ NK cell; and unusual B lymphocytes, such as the Leu1+ B cell. Study of these cells both qualitatively to determine further aspects of their structure and function and quantitatively to determine their pattern of normal temporal reconstitution and how that varies under differing clinical conditions should continue to provide improved prognostic and diagnostic testing of postmarrow transplant patients. Furthermore, future study may help to provide information of use in designing improved therapeutic approaches.